KENNETH C. SCHMITZ
October 28, 1923 – August 29, 2009 

Kenneth C. Schmitz, age 85, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Neilson Place in Bemidji, MN surrounded by his loved ones.
Kenneth was born on October 28, 1923 to Leo and Caroline (Taskey) Schmitz at their home in Arago Township, Becker Co., MN. He grew up and attended country school in Two Inlets, MN through the eighth grade. Following his schooling, Kenneth was drafted into the United States Marine Corp on February 14, 1944. He completed his basic training at the marine base in San Diego, CA. He then returned home to Park Rapids the first week in May. He was united in marriage to RoseMary Eischens on May 3, 1944 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets. Kenneth then returned to duty at the Marine Corp base in El Centro, CA where he trained to be an airplane mechanic. Kenneth also traveled overseas on the USS Kittson during his service. He arrived on the Marshall Islands in January of 1945 and served there until May. He then traveled to Saigon and Okinawa where he served from May of 1945 until September of 1945. From there he traveled to Kyusher, Japan where he served from September of 1945 until November of 1945. He then went on to Yokasuka, Japan where he served from November of 1945 until February of 1946. Kenneth was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp on April 25, 1946. Following his honorable discharge, Kenneth and RoseMary made their home in Park Rapids where Kenneth gained employment with Knapp-Grover Plumbing and Heating where he worked for 37 years. Kenneth and RoseMary were blessed with 9 children: Thomas, James, Paul, Renee, Judy, Carol, Kathy, David and Mary. Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed to hunt, fish and also do woodwork. He was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and spent many afternoons watching them from his living room armchair. He was a lifetime member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post in Park Rapids, a 50 year member of the Sheet Metal Workers International Association, and a member of the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids.
Kenneth is survived by his 9 children: Thomas (Jane) of Detroit Lakes, MN, James (Paulette) of Detroit Lakes, MN, Paul (Barb) of Clearbrook, MN, Renee (Roger) Niemela of Park Rapids, Judy (Tim) Ryan of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Carol (Stan) Lehrke of Vadnais Heights, MN, Kathy (Mark) Wilkins of Park Rapids, David (Robin) of St. Michael, MN, Mary (Murray) Olson of Inver Grove Heights; 22 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 10 siblings.
He was preceded in death by his wife, RoseMary; his parents; 2 infant daughters; 2 infant grandchildren; and 1 brother.
Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Casketbearers will be Kenneth’s grandchildren. Scott Lehrke will be the organist. Song leaders will be Steven Labine & Danielle Labine. Interment will be made in the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of the North Marine Corp League. A luncheon will be hosted at the church following the service for all to attend. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. A rosary led by the Knights of Columbus will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.